At least seven people were killed and more than 60 others injured Sunday in a suicide bombing attack on a bus in downtown Jerusalem, police sources and rescue officials said.

The blast took place at around 8:30 am (0630 GMT) in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Rehavia, near Liberty Bell Park. Police said that the explosion was carried out by a suicide bomber, but no one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Jerusalem District police commander Mickey Levy said that the blast took place on number 14 bus, which was crowded and was traveling toward the neighborhood of Beit Hakerem.

He said that at least seven people were killed in the rush hour explosion. Rescue officials said at least 62 people were injured, more than 20 of them in serious condition.

Israeli Foreign Ministry said that the latest suicide blast justified the construction of a security barrier in the West Bank.

"We are showing everyone that a security fence is not just Israel's obligation, but also its right," said Jonathan Peled, the ministry's spokesman.

Sunday's bombing was the first since a similar suicide bombing attack took place in Jerusalem on Jan. 29, in which 11 people were killed.

(Xinhua News Agency February 22, 2004)